A local phone scammer has expanded operations further across Western New York.
Someone pretending to be a police officer targeted Clarence residents earlier in the week. Now, residents in Amherst, Cheektowaga, Elma, Lancaster and Tonawanda are also getting calls, according to Scott Zylka with the Erie County Sheriff's Office.
Zylka says people are being told they owe a fine for failing to show up for grand jury duty.
"We will not conduct any warrants of summons over the phone. We're telling people that this is a scam.Do not give him any personal information or follow his direction at all. It's an imposter," says Zylka.
Zylka says several residents have been instructed to settle the fine by purchasing a cash card. He advises anyone receiving such a call to write down the phone number and contact the Sheriff's Office at 858-2903.